Municipal authorities in Thunder Bay, Ontario may soon deploy municipal law enforcement officers to address specific incidents occurring on city property. The city administration has proposed the implementation of the Mobile Safety and Security Response pilot program. While the initiative received endorsement from the Quality of Life Standing Committee, final approval rests with the council during the 2026 budget deliberations.
Under the program, municipal law enforcement officers (MLEOs) would be responsible for responding to incidents like disruptive behavior or disorderly conduct on city-owned premises, including transit vehicles, public areas, and municipal facilities. City Treasurer and Commissioner of Corporate Services, Keri Greaves, explained that the teams would handle safety and security issues that do not necessitate police intervention, focusing on visible presence and encouraging voluntary compliance. Extensive training in communication, de-escalation techniques, and relevant certifications would be provided to the officers.
If voluntary compliance is not achieved, the MLEOs could issue trespass notices. In case a situation escalates or turns violent, law enforcement would be contacted for further intervention. The officers would have the authority to issue trespass notices or fines in accordance with city bylaws. Operating in pairs seven days a week, they would patrol transit terminals, buses, public spaces, and other city facilities.
Greaves highlighted the flexibility of the Mobile Safety and Security Response team, adjusting patrols based on real-time demands, service requests, and emerging trends. The program aims to allocate resources where they are most needed at any given time, including conducting ride-alongs on buses to address areas experiencing higher incidents.
Councilor Kristen Oliver, a member of the Quality of Life Standing Committee, mentioned that the program is still in its early stages and may undergo adjustments before its potential commencement. She emphasized the need for a strategic framework to target high-activity areas, such as transit transfer stations and buses, to address concerning behaviors effectively.
Despite recognizing the value of the program, Oliver expressed concerns about the increasing burden on municipalities due to systemic failures in healthcare and justice systems. She urged for collaboration between provincial and federal governments to tackle complex social issues and update outdated legislation to meet present community needs.
The proposed pilot program is scheduled for consideration by the council as part of the upcoming 2026 operating budget presentation in January.